By Making Contact 
October 21, 2009 Lilly Fowler I've got a good contact at American Apparel for this story. E-mail me at lillyfowler@yahoo.com if you're interested, and I'll give you the details. She does public relations for them, I believe.
Lilly
I would caution you from looking at the company as the most "compassionate and fair" to immigrants; I have read more than one account about Dov Charney preventing the formation of a union. (Google: american apparel anti-union)
How AA deals with hiring is interesting: are they seeking out more Latina women, do they have a diverse workforce? Are they using temporary agencies, or how are they finding applicants? In this economy, how easy or quickly can you replace 1,800 people?
Has Charney lobbied for immigration reform, or donated money to senators who shape immigration legislation?
Sounds like there is a lot of potential material here. Good luck!
Sarah Terry-Cobo
Publicly, Dov has made the following statement:
"I am deeply disappointed that the Obama administration has failed to bring about immigration reform. Whereas I know he has the intention to do so, getting the job done is another story. Let’s not forget that George Bush wanted to bring about immigration reform, but could not get it done. Ironically, the rallying cry of the Obama campaign was the words of Cesar Chavez, “Yes we can” or “Si se puede”, which inspired so many people, particularly Latinos in the recent election."
See here, from the AmericanApparel.net website:
